Pneumatic straw-stacker.



No. 747,251. PATEN-TED DEC. 15, 1903. H. W. & M. F. SMITH.

PNEUMATIC STRAW STAGKER.

APPLIUATION FILED DEU- 571901.

KO MODEL.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

H W- L x l C [iyo J.

Wilinfzs 3 es flaw "6n (fol 15 9;. w ubma No. 747,251. PATENTED DEC. 15, 1903.

H. W. & M. P SMITH. PNEUMATIC STRAW STAGKER.

APPLIOATION FILED DEC. 5, 1901 N0 MODEL. 3 SHEETSBHEBT 3.

nrrnn dTriTns Patented December 15, 1903.

ATENT Tries.

HARRY W. SMITH AND MARTIN F. SMITH, OF GLANFORD TOiVNSHIP, COUNTY OF WENTWORTH, CANADA, ASSIGNORS, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGN- MEN TS, TO THE INDIANA MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, A CORPORATION OF WEST VIRGINIA.

PNEUMATIC STRAW STACKER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 747,251, dated December 1 5, 1903.

Application filed December 5, 1901. Serial No. 84.819. (No model.)

To Lb whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, HARRY WARD SMITH and MARTIN FRANKLIN SMITH, farmers, of the township of Glanford, county of Wentworth,

5 Province of Ontario, Canada, .(post-office address Renforth,) have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pneumatic Straw'Stackers, of which the following is a specification.

The object of our invention is to devise a simple, cheap, and elfective pneumatic strawstacker; and it consists, essentially, of certain improvements in the means for introducing the straw into the fan-housing, in the means for discharging the chafi either with the straw or separately, in an improved and simplified turn-table and elbow, and in certain other details of construction hereinafter more specifically described and then definitely claimed.

Figure l is a side elevation, partly in section, showing my stacker attached to the end of a threshingmachine. Fig. 2 is an end view of the same, partly in section. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the hopper, fan-housing, and dischargepipe. Fig. l is a sectional plan of the turn-table f the discharge-pipe. Fig 5 is a sectional elevation showing the chaff-board extensions and chad-spouts. Fig. 6 is a sectional plan of the turn-table of the discharge-pipe on an enlarged scale.

In the drawings like letters of referent-oindicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

A represents a portion of the rear end of a thresher, B being the end of the shoe, and C the end of the straw-deck. To the end of the thresher is secured a suitable framework to support the various parts of the stacker.

Dis a fan suitably jourualed within a housing E, shaped as hereinafter described. This fan and its housing are located at one side of the end of the machine, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The outer side of the housing is closed; but the innerside is open, save for the rim F, extending inwardly from the periphery of the housing about one-seventh of the diameter. 7 This rim does not lie in one plane,

but starts from a pointa and runs around in a helical direction until it reaches the point 1) directly opposite the point a. The periphcry of the housing of course gradually widens out to meet the rim.

As shown in Fig. 2, the blades of the fan D are of such a size as to work within the narrow portion of the housing.

G is a hopper with its bottom 0 slanting from the right-hand side of the machine to the inner edge of the lower part of the rim .F. The back and sides of the hopper are of course extended up far enough to catch and retain all straw that starts from this strawdeck C.

The discharge-pipe II is connected with the interior of the fan-housing in the usual man- 5 ner, its inner side opening substantially at or near the point where the narrow part of the housing and the wide part come in line. (See Fig. 3.)

Above the fan-housing we hinge the inclined board I, having a triangular piece d, titted to its inner end. This board and triangular piece prevent straw lodging on top of the housing E. This inclined board being hinged can be lifted up at any time to get at the interior of the apparatus.

To the front edge of the hopper G we hinge a chaff-board J, which may be turned, as shown in full lines in Fig. 1, to catch the chaff from the shoe B and direct it downward.

Below the chaff-board J we locate a spout R, inclined to discharge the chalf directed down by the chaff-board into the housing of the chaff-blower S which is preferably provided with the vertical dischargepipe T. This discharge-pipe is preferably provided with the loosely-fitted elbow U, which may be turned to deliver the chaff in any direction. This elbow is of course connected with a delivery-pipe of any suitable length.

Located between the end of the shoe and the fan-housing E is a spout V, designed to catch any chafi that may be discharged against the fan-housing and direct it toward the center of the machine, so that it is either 5 dropped into the spout R or caught by the chaff-board when the latter is turned down, as hereinafter described.

The spout V is preferably provided with a high side next the fan-housing to enable it more effectively to collect the chaff.

The spouts R and V are suitably attached to the tailings-spout of the shoe B if the shoe is arranged to be given an end shake. With other varieties of shoe slight changes may be required in the mode of connecting the spouts R and V; but such changes will be within the capacity of any skilled mechanic.

It will be observed that the chaff-board J, as shown in full lines in Fig. 1, extends up too far to permit of being swung down to the position shown in dotted lines. We'therefore make the upper part A of this chaffboard detachable, preferably by means of straps a, fitted into sockets b on the lower part of the board. It will be noted on reference to Fig. 5 that this detachable part A is cut away to permit of its extending over the fan-housing E, so that it will efiectively stop and throw downward any chaff directed against the upper part of the fan-housing, thus cooperating with the upwardly-extended rear side of the spout V.

When it is desired to discharge the chaff with the straw, the detachable part A of the chafi-board is removed and the chaff-board swung down to the position indicated in dotted lines. The chaff passing from the shoe thus drops on the chaff-board J and goes into the hopper with the straw from the strawdeck 0. The spout V also discharges its chaff into the top of the chaff-board to mingle with the rest.

The chaif-board may be adjusted in any desired manner. In Fig. 1 we show it held in its upright position by resting against the fan-housing E. In its lowered position it rests on one or more stops f.

At opposite sides of the machine we provide a large sliding door K, through which sieves for the shoe may be inserted or removed. A door L is also provided at the top of the machine.

The discharge-pipe H passes directly upward and is fitted loosely within the lower end of the elbow M, so that the elbow may turn freely around, as hereinafter described. The elbow is formed in three pieces 9,71, and 11. To the lower piece g of the elbow is secured a metal ringj, provided in front with two suitably-journaled rollers Zr; and behind with two suitably-journaled rollers The rollers 76 are adapted to engage the under side of the metal ring N and the rollers 1c the upper side of the same ring. This metal ring is secured to the board Z by means of outwardly and downwardly extending lugs m, so that the free engagement of the rollers 70 and 70' with the metal ring is notinterfered with. As the weight of the extension 0 of the discharge-pipe presses downward at the rear side of the elbow and upward at the front side of the elbow the rollers 70 and It provide for the proper taking of this strain-with rolling friction on the ring N. Arms n are secured to the ringj and extend rearwardly to a point in line with the center from which the sections of the elbow are struck. Sections h t' are respectively connected to arms 'n n on a common center. The sections g and h telescope within the sections h and 2', respectively, as shown, and thus by telescoping these sections the extension 0 of the discharge-pipe may be given any desired upward inclination. Short sections of wire or chain 0 may be'used to connect the sections of the elbow to limit their motion and retain them in their proper position. To the metal rim j we connect standards P, on which is journaled a winding-drum Q, provided with a suitable pawl-aud-ratchet retaining device q. A crank-handle r is also provided by which the winding-drum may be operated. A cord 3 connects this drum with the upper end of the arm n, secured to the section iof the elbow. By operating this drum the elevation of theextension of the discharge-pipe may be varied as desired.

We find that a turn table constructed as we have described is very simple, light, and effective in operation. It is easily turned to discharge the straw in any direction, and when the device is not in use the extension of the discharge pipe is readily turned forward over the machine.

In order that the movements of the turntable may be controlled from the machine,

ICO

we connect to the board or platform Z a fixed gear-wheel B. With this gear-wheel meshes the pinion 0, fast on the vertical spindle D, suitably journaled on the standards P. On the upper end of the spindle D is secured a hand-wheel E, by means of which the pinion C may be revolved, thus moving the parts from which it is carried and turning the elbow M to point in any direction. Pivoted on the standards P is a stamped metal seat F, provided with struts G to engage the standards and thus hold the seat in position.

- When desired, the seat may be hinged up to be out of the way.

While we claim nothing new in the construction of the hood H, we show one of ordinary construction in Fig. 1. When the thresher is working at an elevation and the hood therefore at some distance from the ground, the straw is frequently. blown away from the place at which it is desired to deposit it. To obviate this difficulty, we pro- IIO vide the canvas tube I, having a rigid hoop a secured to its upper end. This hoop is provided with short arms d,adapted to be passed through the eyes e, secured to the stationary part of the hood. Small set-screws are preferably provided to clamp the arms d in position.

One of the most important features of our invention is the shape of the fan-housing, as the space into which the straw is packed gradually increases from the point at which least straw enters it to the point at which the greatest quantity is taken in, facilitating the discharge and entirely preventing the choking of the fan. As all the air for the fan is taken from the same side as the straw, the suction of the fan aids the shape of the hopper in taking the straw into the housing. Another advantage due to the shape of the housing is this, the greater portion of the straw is taken up the pipe without coming in contact with the fan, resulting in considerable economy of power, so that the stacker will handle more straw with a given amount of power than is possible when the fan itself handles all the straw.

What we claim as our invention is 1. In a pneumatic stacker, a fan, in combination with a fan-housing having its periphery helically increasing in width at theinner side, the greatest width being at or near the least width; a rim extending in toward the fan-shaft around the inner edge of the periphery of the housing; adischarge-pipe communicating with the interior of the periphery of the housing with its forward edge at or near the line of greatest width of the housing; and a hopper shaped to direct straw within the rim of the inner side of the fan-housing, substantially as described.

2. In a pneumatic stacker, a fan, in combination with a fan-housing havingits periphery helicallyincreasing in width substantially for one turn; a rim on the inner edge of the fan-housing extending in toward the fanshaft; a discharge-pipe communicating with the interior of the fan-housing at or near the widest part of its periphery and a hopper shaped to .direct straw within the rim of the inner side of the fan-housing, substantially as described.

3. In a pneumatic stacker a fan, in combination with a fan-housing located at one side of the end of the machine; and a slanting board hinged to the side of the machine and extending over to the inner side of the top of I the housing, substantially as described.

4. In a pneumatic stacker a fan, in combination with a fan-housing located at one side of the end of a machine; a slanting board hinged to the side of the machine and extending over to the inner sideof the top of the housing; and a triangular piece fitted underneath the forward end of the said board to close off the space between it and the fan housing, substantially as described.

5. In a pneumatic stacker a fan, in combination with a fan-housing located at one side of the end of the machine; a hopper communicating with the interior of the housing at the inner side; and a chaff-board adjustably hinged to the front of the hopper so that it may be held to catch chaff from the shoe of a separator or swung to allow the chaff to drop down, substantially as described.

6. In a pneumatic stacker, a substantially vertical discharge-pipe divided into two parts sleeved one Within the other, in combination with a stationary circular track or ring surrounding the upper part of the pip-e; one or more rollers, journaled at one side of the pipe and engaging the upper side of the track or ring; one or more rollers journaled at the other side of the pipe and engaging the under side of the said track or ring; and means for supporting the said track or ring from a stationary part of the apparatus, substantially as described.

'7. In a pneumatic stacker a substantially vertical pipe divided into two parts sleeved one within the other, in combination with a circular track or ring surrounding the upper part of the pipe; means for supporting the said track or ring from a stationary part of the apparatus; a ring connected with and encircling the upper part of the pipe; one or more rollers journaled at one side of the said ring and engaging the upper side of the track; one or more rollers journaled at the other side of the said ring and engaging the under side of the said track; an elbow formed of telescopic sections formed at the upper of the two parts of the discharge-pipe and bending outwardly above the rollers engaging the upper side of the track; means connected with the ring secured to the pipe for collapsing or extending the elbow, substantially as described.

8. In a pneumatic stacker,a discharge-pipe; a telescopic elbow made in three sections; and arms connected to the sections and pivoted together at a point substantially coincident with the center from which the curve of the elbow is struck, in combination with means connected with the elbow for adjustably collapsing or extending the sections at will, and means for limiting the extension movement of each sectiou,substantially as described.

9. In a pneumatic stacker a fan, in combination with a fan-housing located at one side of the end of the machine; a hopper communicating with the interior of the housing at the inner side; and a chaff-board adjustably hinged to the front of the hopper so that it may be held to direct chaff from the shoe of a separator downward to a suitable discharge, part of the chaff-board being removable to allow the chaff-board to be swung down to direct chaff into the hopper of the stacker, substantially as described.

10. In a pneumatic stacker a fan; and fanhousing, in combination witha hopper communicating with the interior of the housing at the inner side; and a chaff-board adjustably hinged to the front of the hopper so that it may be held to direct chaif from the shoe of a separator downward to a suitable discharge, part of the chaff-board being removable to allow the chaff-board to be swung down to direct chaff into the hopper of the stacker, substantially as described.

11. In a pneumatic stacker a fan, in combination with a fan-housing located at one side of the end of the machine; a hopper OOIIL municating with the interior of the housing at the inner side; and a chaff-board adjustably hinged to the front of the hopper so that it may be held to direct chaff from the shoe of a separator downward to a suitable discharge, part of the chaff-board being removable to allow the chaff-board to be swung down to direct chaff, into the hopper of the stacker; and a spout located between the shoe and fan-housing adapted to direct inward any chali discharged against the fanhousing, substantially as described.

12. In a pneumatic stacker a fan, and fanhousing, in combination with a hopper communicating with the interior of the housing at the inner side; a chaff-board adjustably hinged to the front of the hopper so that it may be held to direct chaff from the shoe of a separator downward to a suitable discharge, part of the chad-board being removable to allow the chaff-board to be swung down to direct chad into the hopper of the stacker; and a spout located between the shoe and fanhousing adapted to direct inward any chaff discharged against the fan-housing, substantially as described.

13. In a pneumatic stacker a substantially vertical discharge-pipe divided into two parts sleeved one within the other, in combination with a circular track or ring surrounding the upper part of the pipe; one or more rollers jonrnaled at one side of the pipe and engaging the upper side of the track or ring; one or more rollers jonrnaled at the other side of the pipe and engaging the under side of the said track or ring; means for supporting the said track or ring from a stationary part of the apparatus; a gear-wheel secured to a stationary part; a vertical spindle journaled on a part movable with the elbow; a pinion fast on the said spindle and meshing with the said gear-wheel; and a hand-wheel on the said spindle by means of which the pinion may be caused to operate on the said gear-wheel and turn the vertical pipe, substantially as described.

14. In apneumaticstacker,adelivery-pipe, a hood therefor, and an adjustable end for said hood, in combination with a canvas tube provided with a rigid hoop at its upper end, and means for detachably securing the said hoop to the delivery-pipe so that the hood discharges immediately into the canvas tube, substantially as described.

15. In a pneumatic stacker, a fan, in combination with a fan-housing having its periphery increasing in width at the inner side, the greatest Width being at or near the least width; a rim extending in toward the fanshaft around the inner edge of the periphery of the housing; a dischargepipe communicating with the interior of the periphery of the housing with its forward edge at or near the line of greatest width of the housing; and a hopper shaped to direct straw within the rim of the inner side of the fan-housing, substantially as described.

16. In a pneumatic stacker, the combination, with the fan discharge-spout, of a vibratable spout connected therewith, a stationary rack, a gear carried by the vibratable spout and meshing with said rack, and means for rotating the gear, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

17. In a pneumatic stacker, the combination, with the fan discharge-spout, of a vibratable spout connected therewith, a stationary rack, a gear carried by the vibratable spout and meshing with said rack, a support for an operator also carried by said vibratable spout, and operating means connected to said gear and extended to said support for the operator.

18. In a pneumatic stacker, the combination, with the fan discharge-spout, of a vibratable spout connected therewith, a support for an operator carried by said vibratable spout, and means extended to said support by which the vibratable spout may be vibrated from the support.

19. The combination with a threshing-machine, of a stacker-fan, a hopper leading thereto, an adjustable chaff-board arranged between said hopper and the separating-shoe of the threshing-machine to deliver the chaff either to or from the hopper, and a chafftrough arranged between the separating-shoe and the fan-casing and also arranged to deliver to the chaff-board in either of its positions.

20. In a pneumatic stacker a fan; a fanhousing and means for directing straw from a separator into the said housing in combination with a shoe; a board near the rear end of the shoe adapted to catch chaff and direct it downward; a spout located below the chaff-board; and an elevatingfan or chaffblower into which the said spout is adapted to discharge, substantially as described.

Hamilton, Ontario, November 21, 1901.

HARRY W. SMITH. MARTIN F. SMITH.

In presence of M. RoUssEAUX, H. MAPLES. 

